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Psychological barrier and cross-firm return predictability

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  • Huang, Shiyang
  • Lin, Tse-Chun
  • Xiang, Hong

Abstract

We provide a psychological explanation for the delayed price response to news about economically linked firms. We show that the return predictability of economically linked firms depends on the nearness to the 52-week high stock price. The interaction between news about economically linked firms and the nearness to the 52-week high can partially explain the underreaction to news about customers, geographic neighbors, industry peers, or foreign industries. We also find that analysts react to news about economically linked firms but the 52-week high effect reduces such reactions, providing direct evidence that the 52-week high affects the belief-updating process.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Shiyang & Lin, Tse-Chun & Xiang, Hong, 2021. "Psychological barrier and cross-firm return predictability," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(1), pages 338-356.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:142:y:2021:i:1:p:338-356
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2021.06.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cross-firm return predictability; Psychological barrier; 52-week high; Customer momentum;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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